Cliff Drive Resiliency Project

To read a simple fact sheet on this project, click here.

In January 2023, major storm events caused significant erosion along the bluff southwest of Hooper Beach, undermining a retaining wall originally installed in the mid-1990s. Following this damage, the City received approval from Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to pursue permanent improvements through the Emergency Relief (ER) program.

The Cliff Drive Resiliency Project aims to stabilize the roadway and protect the critical infrastructure it contains, while also improving public access and pedestrian safety along this important coastal segment in Capitola. The project area extends from Wharf Road to the Depot Hill staircase—an arterial roadway serving residents, utility infrastructure, and coastal visitors.

Project Purpose

The primary goal is to stabilize the roadway and safeguard essential underground utilities, which are increasingly at risk due to erosion and storm-related impacts. The project also seeks to improve pedestrian access and safety, while balancing environmental protection and long-term maintenance needs.

Project Goals:

Stabilize the bluff and preserve the roadway
Protect buried utilities and critical infrastructure
Address drainage and shoreline erosion issues
Improve pedestrian access and safety along Cliff Drive

Project Timeline

January 2023: Storm damage to bluff and retaining structure
February 27, 2024: Community workshop on initial concepts
June 27, 2024: City Council meeting and project update
2023–2025: Technical studies and geotechnical evaluations
2025: Design and permitting
August 12 & 28, 2025: Community meeting and City Council update
January 8, 2026: City Council adoption of LCP Land Use Plan amendments and authorization to submit to the California Coastal Commission
Early 2026: Submittal to the California Coastal Commission and certification review
2026: Final design, permitting, and funding coordination

Current Status (as of July 2025)

The project has received initial funding from the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief (FHWA ER) program, based on damage from the 2022–2023 winter storms. These funds are supporting technical studies, deisgn, and permitting work.

On January 8, 2026, the City Council adopted the required Local Coastal Program (LCP) amendments and authorized staff to submit the amendment package to the California Coastal Commission. Staff is finalizing the Coastal Commission submittal and coordinating with agency partners.

Following Coastal Commission certification and remaining regulatory approvals, the City anticipates pursuing additional FHWA funding for final design and construction. The City continues to actively pursue complementary funding sources to support full project delivery.

Future updates and public engagement opportunities will be posted as milestones are reached.